What was missing in 2010?

( Editors note: Project Spurs would like to welcome a new staff-writer, Mr. Jason Rogers. Jason came from the Icemen Blog and will be bringing Spurs fans some great articles and views on the team. Project Spurs is pleased to have him on board. Please welcome, Jason and enjoy his debut post.)

Finally, the NBA season has come to an end.

As we’ve all been watching the 2010 NBA Finals, hoping for the earth to open up under the Staples Center and swallow both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics alive to prevent either one from winning another championship. Wait! Was that just me?

I’ve begun to look at the current state of the San Antonio Spurs and wonder what exactly the team needs to do to return to championship form as the NBA Draft and free-agency approaches.

Spurs fans have heard the usual banter when it comes to the team: “They are too old,” “[Tony]Parker, [Manu] Ginobili and [Tim]Duncan aren’t what they used to be,” “The ‘Big 3’ just can’t get it done anymore.” How accurate is this? If you could be in the Spurs draft-room, what areas of the team would you be most focused on?

To answer this, I took a look at how the Spurs’ 2007 championship season compared to their 2010 season statistically and I think I’ve got some answers.

First of all, I wanted to look at the contributions of the so-called “Big 3” of Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili. Looking at their contributions as a group, in 2010 they averaged 50.4 points, 16.3 rebounds, and 13.8 assists. Compare this to the 2007 championship season in which they totaled 55.1 points, 18.2 rebounds, and 12.4 assists. Clearly there is a measurable difference in points and rebounds to the negative. Where does this come from?

Ginobili averaged 16.5 points in 2010 which is exactly what he averaged in 2007 however both Duncan and Parker are lower by two points per-game. One basket. Two free throws. That’s it folks.

When it comes to rebounds, Duncan averaged a half of a rebound less in 2010 than in 2007. I’m less convinced that their age and contributions are what’s preventing San Antonio from another championship.

Let’s not forget Parker played 19 fewer games in 2010 due to injury as well. With Parker sitting out his regular summer basketball expedition to France, I don’t think it is out of the question to expect him to come back more refreshed and healthier than he has ever been. In a recent interview, he even said part of the reason he did not play for France this summer was simply he needed rest.